Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Sat 9 May 2026 7:00, UK

Shilen Patel could be about to start West Bromwich Albion‘s transfer business with a masterclass.

James Morrison‘s side need a big rebuild in the summer, to get them back on track for a promotion push, rather than fighting against relegation.

The Baggies are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Rangers defender Leon King, who is out of contract at Ibrox when the season concludes.

They face competition from the likes of promoted Coventry City, Wolves. Middlesbrough, Portsmouth and Burnley for his signature.

If West Brom can beat those sides to the 22-year-old, it would be a brilliant start to the window for two reasons.

Why King signing would be a masterclass for West Brom

King’s signing would be a masterstroke for West Brom because he is a quality defender, and it would free up money to strengthen other areas.

His ability is clear as he won Ayr’s Player of the Year, Fans’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, and the fact that so many clubs want him.

The fact that the deal would be a free transfer, with a compensation fee paid to the Glasgow giants, would be really clever from Patel and Co.

Could West Brom issues affect pursuit?

Albion may be in a tight spot again, as they were charged with breaching Profit and Sustainability rules for the 2024-25 season, and were handed a two-point deduction this campaign as a result.

That suggests that their finances are still an issue, even though, former club president Andrew Nestor suggested that would not be the case last December, and they may not be able to match the wages on offer for King.

If they can, then adding King to the squad for a minimal fee is a very smart move that would put them in a position to spend a bit more elsewhere.

Given that Max O’Leary, Jed Wallace, Karlan Grant, Daryl Dike and Josh Maja are all out of contract, and there have been no indications over new deals, significant replacements may be needed.

Therefore, money would have to be spent in those areas, while also increasing their talent levels in other places, so King would be a move that makes perfect sense for the Black Country club.

If they don’t get their business right, they could end up in a similar predicament to this campaign, where they were close to the drop zone, or worse.